Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 1 | P a g e

Table of Contents

Overview ......................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction Lesson Overview ......................................................................................... 4

Introduction Lesson Contents.......................................................................................... 5

Description................................................................................................................... 6

Mobile Incineration....................................................................................................... 7

Autoclave shredding .................................................................................................. 12

Alkaline Hydrolysis..................................................................................................... 14

Advantages................................................................................................................ 15

Disadvantages........................................................................................................... 16

Evaluation Lesson Overview ......................................................................................... 18

Evaluation Lesson Contents.......................................................................................... 19

Regulations................................................................................................................ 20

Waste Stream Evaluation .......................................................................................... 21

Mobile Treatment Evaluation ..................................................................................... 22

Mobile Treatment Evaluation Questions .................................................................... 23

Environmental Impact................................................................................................ 24

Environmental Impact Questions............................................................................... 25

Biosecurity ................................................................................................................. 26

Public Health Considerations..................................................................................... 27

Public Health Questions ............................................................................................ 28

Planning Lesson Overview............................................................................................ 29

Planning Lesson Contents ............................................................................................ 30

Personnel .................................................................................................................. 31

Waste Classification and Characterization ................................................................ 32

Material, Supplies, and Equipment ............................................................................ 33

Temporary Carcass Storage...................................................................................... 35

Secure Transportation ............................................................................................... 37

Site Suitability ............................................................................................................ 38

Operations Lesson Overview ........................................................................................ 39

Operations Lesson Contents......................................................................................... 40

Incident Management ................................................................................................ 41

Infected Premises Preparation .................................................................................. 42

MTT Operations......................................................................................................... 43

Summary....................................................................................................................... 44
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 2 | P a g e

Overview

Welcome to the Mobile Treatment Technologies (MTT) Module of the online Carcass 

Management Course. While completing this module, you may encounter references to 

the Emergency Management Tools; Health, Safety, and Personal Protection Equipment; 

Secure Transport; and to Biosecurity, which are broadly covered in their own separate 

training modules. These modules are found in the Introduction Modules, beginning with 

the Orientation Module.

Effective management of animal carcasses and associated materials is a critical 

component of a successful response during an animal health emergency. Carcass 

management measures contain, treat, or destroy contaminated or potentially 

contaminated materials in order to:

 Prevent spread of a disease outbreak to protect the nation’s agricultural industry

 Protect the environment by preventing carcass waste products from 

contaminating soil, water, and air

 Protect decaying carcasses from insects and scavengers which can transport 

pathogens to other locations

 Safeguard public health by removing potentially contaminated food products from 

the human food supply

 Safeguard animal health by removing potentially contaminated feed from the 

animal feed supply

This training module is presented from the perspective that you have already used 

the MLCh Tool (Matrix, Decision Loop, and Checklist) explained in the Emergency 

Management Tools Module and selected mobile treatment technology as the 

preferred carcass management option.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 3 | P a g e

Objectives 

This module presents the material in four different lessons: 

 Introduction

 Planning

 Evaluation

 Operations

Upon completing this course, you should be able to:

 Describe MTT as a method for carcass management

 Understand the advantages and disadvantages of MTT

 Identify personnel health risks associated with MTT

 Consider environmental risks associated with MTT

 Obtain regulations governing MTT by consulting with state officials

 Identify factors used to evaluate MTT as a carcass management option

 List critical elements when planning MTT

 Recognize key components of MTT operations
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 4 | P a g e

Introduction Lesson Overview

Mobile treatment technologies can offer alternative approaches to disposing of animal 

carcasses on-site, particularly in response to emergency situations. There are 

numerous types of mobile technologies currently available and more in development, 

but only a few will be presented in this lesson. These are: 

 Mobile Incineration

 Mobile autoclave shredding

 Mobile alkaline hydrolysis

Figure 1. Mobile Treatment Technologies
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 5 | P a g e

Introduction Lesson Contents 

This lesson is divided into the following sections:

 Mobile Incineration - Presents the key features of high temperature air-curtain 

incineration, gasification, and rotary kiln incineration to burn carcasses and other 

material

 Mobile Autoclave Shredding – Discusses the basic design to convert carcasses 

into usable products (protein meal and tallow) and waste by-products which 

require treatment prior to discharge

 Mobile Alkaline Hydrolysis - Describes the use of moderately high temperature 

and high pH to hydrolyze carcasses into sanitized by-products
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 6 | P a g e

Description 

Mobile Treatment Technology in this context refers to carcass processing equipment

that can be mounted on a truck bed or inside a trailer, hauled to infected premises, and 

operated to treat or destroy carcasses so the product is no longer infectious. The 

system must be small enough to meet weight and size restrictions on roads, and 

capable of being set up relatively quickly to operate upon arrival at a farm. The systems 

must also be suited for cleaning and disinfection, must be configured to avoid 

environmental releases, and must be reliable.

Figure 2. Gasifier
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 7 | P a g e

Mobile Incineration 

Air–curtain incineration 

This thermal method uses a combination of forced air and fuel (such as wood or coal) to 

burn carcasses and/or associated materials. This method is used outdoors but, in 

contrast to open-air burning, uses a fan and manifold to greatly increase the air flow.

 High volume air greatly increases the temperature and accelerates carcass 

combustion process through enhanced mixing

 Combustion can occur up to six times faster than open-air burning

 Large-capacity fans driven by diesel engines deliver the high-velocity air down 

into either a metal refractory box or burn pit

 This process is extremely solid-fuel-intensive

Figure 3. Air Curtain Refractory Box
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 8 | P a g e

Mobile Incineration (cont.)

Air–curtain incineration (cont.)

High velocity air across and down at an optimum angle into a firebox pit creates an air 

curtain on top and a rotational turbulence within the firebox. 

 High velocity air provides an oxygen-enriched environment that accelerates the 

combustion process (similar to the effect of fanning a fire)

 Nearly complete combustion can be achieved with a properly-constructed fire pit 

with reduced amounts of escaped particulates (particularly the organic 

component of particulate matter), significantly reducing visible smoke

On-farm preprocessing of carcasses may be required, such as grinding, fermenting, or 

freezing. However, grinding carcasses infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza 

(HPAI) is not recommended because of the risk of aerosolizing the virus. 

Figure 4. Burn Pit with Air Curtain Incinerator
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 9 | P a g e

Mobile Incineration (cont.)

Gasification

This technology is a variant on conventional incineration that converts carcasses into 

gases - mainly carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen. 

Some ash is also produced and can be managed using methods outlined for 

incineration.

 Conversion takes place in containers that contain low temperature primary 

(gasification) chambers, where organic material from carcasses is driven into the 

gas-phase as a combustible mixture, and high temperature secondary 

(combustion) chambers where this combustible mixture is burned off

 Some of the produced gas may be used for heat energy to further the gasification 

process 

 There are two types of systems: batch and continuous. Continuous gasifiers, still 

under development, are more efficient when compared to batch systems, 

however may have more complicated machinery than batch systems.

Figure 5. Transportable Gasifier
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 10 | P a g e

Mobile Incineration (cont.)

Gasification (cont.)

The primary chamber (gasification) is operated at temperatures of 1500-1800° F (816-

982°C) using only small amounts of air, and the secondary chamber (combustion) is 

operated with excess air at temperatures on the order of 1800°F (982°C).

 Heat from the secondary chamber can be used to provide the heat to maintain 

primary chamber temperatures

 Because the gas flow rates through the system are much lower than found in 

conventional combustion processes, higher throughputs can potentially be 

attained in smaller sized equipment

 The residual ash is pathogen free and can potentially be landfilled, buried, or 

used as a soil amendment, provided it satisfies other solid waste management

requirements
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 11 | P a g e

Mobile Incineration (cont.)

Rotary kiln

The rotary-kiln incinerator is flexible - handling liquid, sludge, solid, or gases in very 

large quantities. It maintains operating temperatures from 1500-3000°F (800-1650°C). 

The kiln has two chambers, a primary and secondary chamber. The primary chamber 

consists of an inclined refractory lined cylindrical tube that rotates, moving the material 

from the feed end to the discharge end with the help of gravity. The inner refractory 

lining serves as an insulating barrier to maintain high temperatures in the kiln. The 

secondary combustion chamber consists of either a horizontal or vertical refractory-lined 

chamber with gas- or oil-fired burners that burn out unburned material leaving the 

primary chamber.

 Movement of the cylinder on its axis facilitates movement of waste

 Conversion of solids to gases, occurs in the primary chamber through 

volatilization, destructive distillation and partial combustion reactions

 Gas phase combustion reactions mostly occur in the secondary chamber

 Incombustible solids, called clinkers, spill out at the end of the cylinder

 A tall flue-gas stack, fan, or steam jet supplies the needed draft; typically an 

induced draft fan is needed if any scrubbers or particulate control devices are 

installed downstream of the kiln

 Ash drops through a grate and is collected for subsequent management

Figure 6. Mobile Rotary Kiln
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 12 | P a g e

Autoclave shredding

Autoclave shredding is also referred to as grinding sterilization, and grinding and steam.

Some units also use elevated pressure to facilitate the process. Autoclave shredding is 

the process of reducing the size of animal carcasses into small pieces which can be 

quickly heated to inactivate pathogens. The process may include the addition of wood 

chips to produce a sterile solid product.

Figure 7. Portable Autoclave Shredding 
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 13 | P a g e

Autoclave Shredding (cont.)

An example of a mobile autoclave is the Mass Animal System by Enviro-Safe Treatment 

Solutions, LLC. As shown in the photo below, the process involves:

 Depositing animal carcasses in the hopper 

 The carcasses are exposed to steam for a period of time to inactivate pathogens

 The process reaches temperatures up to 272°F (133°C) degrees at 45 psi, and is 

capable of processing up to 8,000 lbs. / hour

 The unit can accommodate small animals, such as poultry

 A sterilized, but still putrescible by-product exits the system into the hopper at the 

far right of the image

 The by-product can be rendered to capture fats/oils for fuel production or can be 

combined with wood chips for composting

Figure 8. Enviro-Safe Treatment Solutions Mobile Autoclave

(Printed with permission from Enviro-safe Treatment Solutions)

Disclaimer: This module is not endorsing the product of a specific vendor, but merely 

using the data on this product as an example
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 14 | P a g e

Alkaline Hydrolysis

Alkaline hydrolysis is a mobile technology that involves processing carcasses at 

moderate temperatures, and high pH (usually a strong base like potassium hydroxide or 

sodium hydroxide) to convert the proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids to a sterile aqueous 

solution and solid by-products.

 The sterile, aqueous solution consists of small peptides, amino acids, sugars, 

and soaps

 The solid by-product consists of mineral constituents of the bones, teeth, as well 

as undigested but sterilized metal, plastic, and cellulose materials

 Because it is one of only a few technologies that can destroy transmissible 

spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), it remains a viable carcass management

method

 The capacity of alkaline hydrolysis units is typically relatively small, only able to 

process one or two bovine-sized carcasses per day. The aqueous effluent from 

the alkaline hydrolysis process may present difficulties in disposal due to its high 

biological oxygen demand and elevated pH that may impact wastewater 

treatment processes.

Figure 9. Alkaline Hydrolysis Unit
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 15 | P a g e

Advantages

Some mobile treatment technologies can be useful alternatives to other on-site 

emergency carcass management technologies, depending on the situation.

Other advantages may include:

 On-site carcass management eliminates the need for off-site transportation

 MTT may be quickly implemented due to portability of units

 The three types of MTT discussed in this module inactivate pathogens

 The self-contained units are generally acceptable to the public
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 16 | P a g e

Disadvantages

Treatment technologies change over time and may not be readily available. Because 

they are mobile, these technologies are sized for highway transport and may have 

limited throughput and capacity.

Potential disadvantages of using on-site mobile technologies include the following:

 Availability of resources and equipment may be limited, particularly in a 

widespread emergency outbreak

 Accessibility to equipment may be impeded depending on vendor proximity to the 

on-site location

 Specially skilled operators who are trained in biosafety and biosecurity may be 

needed to keep equipment running 

 Level, paved areas may be needed to set up equipment and stage materials

 Availability and/or sources of spare parts for back-up equipment may be limited

 Extensive utilities may be required such as water, fuel, chemicals, bulking agent

and electricity for operations and support equipment

 MTTs generally have limited capacity because the systems must be small and 

light enough to transport, potentially making the process time-consuming and 

requiring refrigeration or other temporary storage for untreated carcasses

 Some technologies may require preprocessing of carcasses, such as grinding, 

shredding, or cutting, which can aerosolize pathogens
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 17 | P a g e

Disadvantages (cont.)

 Air-curtain incinerators reach temperatures typically higher than those reached in 

open-air burning, but it cannot be adequately monitored or regulated to ensure 

that TSE infected material would be rendered non-infectious. Thus, this method 

is not recommended for carcass management with a suspected or confirmed 

infection with a TSE agent.

 Air curtain fire boxes have limited capacity

 Alkaline hydrolysis is limited by low carcass material capacity, and is also time 

consuming, requiring at least 3 hours to kill microbial pathogens and 6-8 hours to 

deactivate TSE prions

 Alkaline hydrolysis results in significant quantities of potentially hazardous 

aqueous waste. This aqueous waste, termed effluent, has an extremely high pH

and must be discharged in an environmentally safe manner, including requiring 

possible neutralization prior to discharge. Wastewater treatment facilities may be 

reluctant to allow discharge due to high biological oxygen demand.

 A permit for effluent disposal should be negotiated with the appropriate 

regulatory officials. Acceptance of the effluent should be discussed with 

wastewater treatment facilities prior to using this technology.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 18 | P a g e

Evaluation Lesson Overview

This lesson contains information to help you further evaluate use of MTTs for carcass 

management. 

Factors in the evaluation include:

 Knowing and understanding applicable regulations

 Identifying the waste stream

 Evaluating the site for suitability for MTT

 Recognizing the environmental impact
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 19 | P a g e

Evaluation Lesson Contents

This lesson presents the following Information:

 Regulations – Covers the regulations governing MTT operations

 Waste Stream Evaluation – Contains questions one can use to assess the 

materials on the infected premises to determine suitable management options

 Site Evaluation – Presents information including questions to assess whether or 

not a MTT is suitable for carcass management at a particular location

 Environmental Impact – Includes a discussion of potential environmental 

impacts, important biosecurity considerations, and public health considerations

associated with using MTTs
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 20 | P a g e

Regulations 

All waste materials slated for management and/or transport must be correctly classified 

by a certified waste management professional prior to assure appropriate carcass 

management. The classification of the waste will depend upon the specific type of 

incident and the federal agency with primary authority.

Planning and response efforts for waste management should include consultation with 

experienced personnel familiar with all management regulations in the affected areas. 

Additional regulations include:

 Clean Air Act for air emissions from incinerators 

 The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set 

requirements and recommendations for those engaged in hazardous waste 

operations involving disease-causing organisms (29 CFR, Chap 1910)

 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for solid waste processing

 Use of personal protective equipment in hazardous waste operations can be 

found at 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1910.156

 Title 40 CFR 262.11 requires any person generating hazardous waste must 

follow strict protocols 

 State Departments of Health and Environmental Quality issue regulations that 

determine which wastes are considered ‘regulated’ or require special handling. 

Check the Regulated Medical Waste RMW State Locator to find the 

classifications.

 States will have the ultimate authority to allow or disallow the use of a particular 

MTT in a given situation
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 21 | P a g e

Waste Stream Evaluation 

The following are issues one should consider before using MTT: 

 What types of infected material?

 Carcass: type, size, number, and condition

 In-barn manure/litter: type, volume, moisture content, density

 Stored manure/litter: type, volume, moisture content, density

 Feed? Quantity and location

 Eggs? Quantity and condition

 Bedding? Non-infected manure compost?

 Paper products? Decontamination residue? Other debris?

 How much material needs to be treated? 

 If there is a type and/or quantity of material that is beyond the capabilities 

of MTT, off-site carcass/waste management may be required

 The material from a large outbreak may have to be addressed by multiple 

on-site options and off-site locations as capacities are reached
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 22 | P a g e

Mobile Treatment Evaluation 

Is an agreement or are regulations already in place with the State that allows 

emergency carcass management using MTT? This will help speed up implementation of 

the carcass management process.

 How will emissions be monitored to protect public health? Will the pathogen be 

spread by MTT before the material is fully treated?

 Who owns/operates the premises? Owner/operator resources may be available 

to help with the on-site carcass management process.

 Is the site completely secure at all times? What security measures are in place?

 What actions will be taken to reduce odor and vermin related to staged-material 

awaiting treatment/management? Ensuring that the operation is following 

regulations and procedures effectively is important to avoid any negative publicity 

surrounding the carcass management activities.

 Can a sufficient supply of fuel be acquired and delivered?

 Does the applicable permitting authority allow a particular mobile technology?

 Can the permit conditions be met?

 Will the MTT operate near high-density housing or other public areas which could 

be affected by emissions?

 Are climatic and weather factors (e.g., the direction of the prevailing winds) and 

seasonal conditions (e.g., wet or frozen ground) suitable for the MTT?
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 23 | P a g e

Mobile Treatment Evaluation Questions

The next few questions can help evaluate the suitability of MTT for treatment and 

management of infected carcasses:

 Are mobile treatment technologies available for your area?

 Are the units available for deployment and can they be transported to your site?

 Are you able to meet all site/utility requirements?

 Can the units be fully cleaned and disinfected after use?

 Do the units have adequate capacity to meet your needs? If the capacity is less 

than needed, can the carcasses be stored or refrigerated?

 Are skilled operators and spare parts available to keep the units operational?

 Does the infected premises have an acceptable location to accommodate the 

mobile equipment/unit?

 Can sufficient fuel be acquired and delivered for high temperature mobile 

incineration?

 Is the technology permitted by the state and local environmental agencies?

 Can the by-products be readily disposed?
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 24 | P a g e

Environmental Impact 

All mobile technologies involve various inputs and outputs, which may impact the 

environment. The inputs are all limited resources which may be needed in significant 

quantities, resulting in consumption of non-renewable resources. Inputs may include:

 Fuel for combustion, electricity, or heat generation

 Water for steam or processing

 Chemicals for disinfection/pH adjustment

The outputs may be hazardous, depending on the process and may require other 

carcass management measures. Outputs may include:

 Liquid effluent from autoclave shredding and alkaline hydrolysis may be highly 

concentrated, requiring treatment prior to management or discharge

 Air emissions

 Ash, bone residue, shredded solids, or animal meal
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 25 | P a g e

Environmental Impact Questions 

 Does the MTT operator have a plan in place to dispose of by-products generated 

through the MTT process? 

 Will by-products be considered contaminated or hazardous waste?

 Can the byproducts be recycled onsite or disposed at a municipal solid 

waste landfill?

 Are any required air emission monitoring or control devices installed on the unit 

to maintain air quality?

 How will any liquid effluent be managed or disposed?

 Is the unit in compliance with all permit requirements?

 Does record keeping meet the regulatory requirements? 

 This is important to identify who may be legally liable, in case there is an 

environmental release
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 26 | P a g e

Biosecurity 

Biosecurity is a series of management practices designed to prevent the introduction 

and spread of disease agents on an animal production facility. During an animal disease 

emergency, biosecurity measures are necessary to keep disease agents out of healthy 

livestock and poultry populations and prevent the spread of disease agents from 

infected groups to uninfected groups within the same population.

Below are some biosecurity considerations. For more comprehensive biosecurity 

information, refer to the Biosecurity Module.

 Plans must be in place to prevent disease spread during transportation. For more 

information see the Secure Transport Module.

 Workers who handle infected carcasses need to take proper precautions and 

should be equipped with appropriate PPE in accordance with site-specific plans. 

Refer to the Health, Safety, & PPE Module.

 In cooperation with appropriate public health agencies, personnel should be

monitored afterward for signs of illness if pathogen of interest is potentially 

zoonotic

 Proper storage for carcasses should prevent scavenging by wildlife and access 

by other vectors

 Prior to the selection of a MTT as an option, verify that it has been shown to 

adequately inactivate/contain the pathogen of concern

NOTE

The agent causing the disease may not be the only agent that poses a risk to 

personnel. Other potential risks may occur from Salmonella, Campylobacter, Q 

fever and coliforms.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 27 | P a g e

Public Health Considerations

A comprehensive understanding of the type and strain of pathogen associated with the 

animal disease event is essential to prevent further spread of infection and to safeguard 

human, animal, and environmental safety and security. Biosecurity measures along with 

cleaning and disinfection protocols will be governed by the type and strain of pathogen 

present.

 Care must be taken to conduct operations in such a manner that public health is 

protected

 Negative public perceptions may be an issue in the event of large-scale carcass 

management, such as mobile incineration. Care must be taken to conduct 

operations in such a manner that public health is protected.

 Use of MTT may require transportation of potentially contaminated biomass that 

may create additional public health concerns

 Heightened public health concerns will exist and must be addressed when 

dealing with a zoonotic disease agent 

 Carcasses infected with spore forming bacteria may not be candidates for certain 

MTT

 Certain MTT may not be suitable for animals infected with or exposed to a 

disease agents responsible for TSE (e.g., scrapie, Bovine Spongiform

Encephalopathy, and Chronic Wasting Disease) 
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 28 | P a g e

Public Health Questions

The next few questions can help evaluate public health concerns when using MTT units: 

 Are there event- and site-specific health and safety plans for the MTT operators 

that are approved by a credentialed Safety Officer?

 Are MTT operators trained in proper handling of potentially infected material and 

the requirements of the health and safety plan? If not, will specialized operators 

be available for temporary service?

 Is employee health and safety monitored by the employer and are health and 

safety rules enforced? If the contaminant poses an increased health risk to 

employees, it is important that personnel use required protection and are 

monitored regularly by healthcare workers to ensure they are not exhibiting 

effects of exposure in accordance with CDC and OSHA guidance and 

regulations.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 29 | P a g e

Planning Lesson Overview

This lesson contains information to help you plan carcasses management by using 

MTT. Planning is essential to ensure that the task is carried out efficiently and 

unimpeded by a lack of resources. Successful management of a large number of 

contaminated animal carcasses requires proper planning to protect workers, the general 

public, and the environment.

Important considerations include:

 Classifying and characterizing the waste material 

 Identifying and obtaining suitable MTT

 Finding adequate carcass storage facilities

 Assessing availability of secure transportation
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 30 | P a g e

Planning Lesson Contents

This module is divided into several topical areas:

 Personnel – Highlights personnel planning requirements and related issues such 

as health, safety, and biosecurity 

 Waste Classification – Discusses waste characterization and factors necessary 

to determine whether a MTT can accept the waste stream

 Materials, Supplies, and Equipment– Provides a list of equipment and supplies 

which might be needed 

 Temporary Carcass Storage – Provides several considerations for temporary 

carcass storage until carcass management can commence

 MTT Identification – Describes planning considerations for selecting MTT

 Secure Transportation – Provides a list of important questions to consider before 

transporting carcasses 

 Site Suitability – Describes planning considerations to determine the suitability of 

using MTT at a specific premises

Figure 10. Briefing the Carcass Management Team
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 31 | P a g e

Personnel

There are certain planning aspects that are common to all carcass management 

options. Those aspects include human health and safety, biosecurity, and physical 

security, as described below.

 Health and safety – Planning to implement use of MTT as a carcass 

management option should include measures to protect workers and the public 

from hazards associated with loading, transport, and processing of infected 

materials with MTT. Refer to the Health, Safety, & PPE Module and the Secure 

Transport Module.

 Biosecurity – Planning to use MTT must include strict biosecurity measures to 

minimize disease spread when handling infected materials. Refer to the 

Biosecurity Module.

 Physical Security – Planning efforts should consider security of personnel at the 

infected premises, and security of infected material during transport, and 

processing. Below are some ideas for minimizing physical security risks: 

 Providing a single entry point to the infected premises

 Providing badges to all authorized personnel entering the infected 

premises

 Signing in and out of the premises

 Sealing truckloads at the origin and ensuring the seals are unbroken at the 

destination
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 32 | P a g e

Waste Classification and Characterization

Waste must be classified in order to determine if it can be processed by a particular 

MTT. For example, if the MTT involves incineration, plastic wastes should not be 

processed to avoid creating potentially harmful dioxin air emissions. If the MTT involves 

alkaline hydrolysis, waste streams such as bedding or wood chips will not be suitable.

Consult a certified waste management professional when classifying waste and 

determining compatibility of wastes with MTT. 

Response personnel should perform the following:

 Identify all waste materials designated for management (in accordance with the 

site-specific carcass management plan, if available). For more information, refer 

to the Emergency Management Tool Module. 

 Mark waste materials and verify with the Disposal Group Supervisor that all

designated materials are to be disposed of

 Sort materials by type (recyclables, putrescible waste, debris, and potentially

hazardous waste)

 Stage the various waste materials in suitable areas and containerize putrescible 

or wet materials to avoid leaching to the environment. Waste materials may 

require tarp or shelter covering.

 Estimate the quantities of each waste type and record the information 

 Characterize each waste type in accordance with all applicable local, state, and 

federal regulations

 Improper waste management can result in penalties (fines or 

imprisonment)

 Improperly disposed waste creates environmental contamination, and 

clean-up liabilities may also be incurred

 Document the characteristics of each waste type and label all waste types

in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 33 | P a g e

Material, Supplies, and Equipment

The Disposal Group must identify all necessary materials, supplies, and equipment to 

carry out the chosen site-specific carcass management method(s). 

This list is provided as an example of the types of materials, supplies, and equipment 

which might be needed with MTT: 

 Health, Safety, PPE and associated personnel decontamination equipment

 Secure transport equipment (driven by trained drivers) 

 Vehicle cleaning and disinfection equipment

 Vehicle liners, such as plastic sheeting or specialized bags

 Loading equipment

 Absorbent material to prevent leakage

 Regulatory authority approved containers, such as sharps containers that are 

puncture-resistant and leak-proof

 Bio hazardous waste bags and containers, if applicable. Note: use biohazard 

bags only for identified biohazard waste. Putting non-biohazard waste into 

biohazard bags results in excess expenses for carcass management.

Biohazard Waste

Includes plastic ware such as pipettes or pipette tips, culture plates, specimen vials, etc. 

that are contaminated with biological specimens, bacterial and cell culture material, or 

nucleic acids. It also includes towels and bench paper that are biologically contaminated 

(i.e., used where samples or cultures are opened and manipulated). It may also include 

culture or sample containers (e.g. plastic tubes of blood) that are contaminated with 

biological materials. The categories are based on the UN assigned by the United 

Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNECE).
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 34 | P a g e

Material, Supplies, and Equipment (cont.)

Additional equipment and spare parts must be available for:

 Excavation of trenches with certain types of air curtain incinerators

 Carcass loading and unloading 

 MTT byproduct management

 Firefighting if combustion is part of the MTT process

 Cleaning and disinfection

 Emergency communication systems

Material requirements for mobile incineration may include:

 Solid fuel such as coal, straw or hay, untreated timbers, kindling wood – dry with 

a low moisture content, and not come from green vegetation

 Diesel fuel to power generators

Material requirements for autoclave shredding may include:

 Wood chips or other bulking agent

 Diesel fuel or propane to power the system

Material requirements for alkaline hydrolysis may include:

 Potassium hydroxide or similar high pH chemical

 Diesel fuel or propane to power the system

Figure 11. Example Supplies Needed for Cleaning and Disinfection 
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 35 | P a g e

Temporary Carcass Storage

When the Euthanasia Group generates mortalities at a faster rate than the Disposal 

Group can process them, some means of temporary carcass storage must be provided. 

It is important to identify where carcasses can be collected and stored until carcass 

management can commence. Guidance related to storage and collection of solid waste 

which may have some relevance to carcass collection and staging, refer to 40 CFR 

243.200-1(a).

Considerations for temporary storage include:

 Can the storage area be secured to prevent unauthorized access, scavengers, 

odors, rapid decomposition, and potential disease spread to susceptible species?

 Will the carcasses be stored using refrigeration or some other stabilization 

method such as grinding and preserving them in containers? 

 If so, are the equipment, supplies and materials available?

 Can the equipment be cleaned and disinfected?

 Will the storage capacity be sufficient to accommodate the difference between 

the maximum expected euthanasia rate and the maximum carcass management

rate? 

 If not, avoid euthanizing animals at a rate that exceeds carcass 

management and storage capacity

 When maximum carcass management and storage capacities are 

reached, curtail euthanasia until adequate capacity is available

 Consult with Incident Coordination Group leadership for strategies to 

minimize the number of animals to be euthanized and managed
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 36 | P a g e

Temporary Carcass Storage (cont.)

 Can wastewater and storm water runoff be controlled from the storage facilities?

 Outline a recordkeeping system for identifying and tracking all carcasses and 

other materials entering and exiting the storage area

 Can the storage facility be adequately cleaned and disinfected during and/or after 

the response?

 Can storage containers be made leak-resistant?

 Is there sufficient space for heavy equipment which may be needed to move 

large loads?

 What safeguards will be used to protect soil and groundwater from a release of 

leachate? 

 Do safeguards meet all applicable local, state, and federal regulations?

 Ensure the storage method will contain leachate, address pressure buildup, and 

avoid uncontrolled release of gases and pathogens

 Consult a certified waste management professional for assistance
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 37 | P a g e

Secure Transportation

Transport vehicles may be needed to move carcasses and other materials to the MTT. 

If the waste must travel on public roads, it should be transported in closed, leakresistant and/or lined trucks or dumpsters. Secondary containment may be needed, 

depending on the type of waste being transported. Consult a certified waste 

management professional when developing this section of the carcass management

plan. Some transport planning considerations are listed below:

 Does the MTT require waste to be in a specific form (e.g., not bagged or not 

mixed with bedding)?

 Is the MTT approved to receive the specific type of waste?

 Are all permit, agreement, and/or contract conditions delineated and will the 

loads meet the conditions? If not, what corrective actions would be needed?

 Are any haulers properly equipped to haul carcasses in accordance with all 

applicable laws?

 Are transport vehicles designed to handle the materials to be transported?

 Are the drivers adequately trained in biosecurity?

 Can two-way communications be maintained with the hauler during transport?

 Do shipments require law enforcement escorts?

 Will travel routes to the MTT avoid uninfected farms, road construction, 

neighborhoods, and densely populated areas?

 Has an alternate travel route been identified?

 What procedures will be followed if the vehicle is damaged during transit?

 How is the waste classified for transport? What packaging standards apply? Are 

all standards consistently met, including labeling, placarding, and manifesting, if 

required?

 How will transport vehicle traffic be minimized into the Control Area?

For more information, refer to the Secure Transport Module.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 38 | P a g e

Site Suitability

Members of the carcass management team must contact or visit the premises and/or 

the appropriate state regulatory authorities to ensure carcass management is 

accomplished in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

During an animal disease outbreak, the carcass management team should consider the 

following: 

 Selection of environmentally suitable locations for MTT is important in the 

disease management process

 To minimize subsequent exposures and disease spread, it is important to locate 

such treatment sites within or in close proximity to the infected premises 

 The site access should be able to handle heavy truck traffic and allow for 

biosecurity around the site’s perimeter

 The location where the MTT is to be operated must meet all requirements for that 

MTT, such as a paved, level pad, a covered area, an area close to required 

utilities, and/or an area where liquid effluents can be contained/managed

Due to the relative putrescibility of the carcasses and associated manure/bedding, it is 

critical to choose sites that will not be adversely impacted by potential releases of 

nutrient-laden leachate nor will result in nuisance complaints in the event that odors, 

flies, or scavengers begin to appear on-site. 
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 39 | P a g e

Operations Lesson Overview

This lesson contains general guidelines in preparing for use of MTT for carcass 

management. The MTT Company must be consulted before beginning any treatment

and carcass management measures.

Figure 12. Carcass Management Team Wearing PPE
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 40 | P a g e

Operations Lesson Contents

This material in this lesson provides general instructions for using mobile treatment 

technologies and measures during an animal disease outbreak response.

 Incident Management – Provides guidelines to the Disposal Group personnel 

when dealing with an animal emergency situation

 Infected Premises Preparation – Lists steps for assessing facility readiness to 

begin operations

 MTT Operations – Describes procedures for safe and proper carcass 

management using MTT
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 41 | P a g e

Incident Management

All Disposal Group personnel should familiarize themselves with the approved sitespecific carcass management plan. The Disposal Group Supervisor should review the 

plan with the Disposal Group and brief them on all relevant aspects of the carcass 

management effort. For further guidance, refer to the FAD PReP APHIS Foreign Animal 

Disease Framework: Roles and Coordination. 

The Incident Coordination Group (ICG) /Incident Management Team (IMT) should 

ensure there is a system in place to identify carcass management team members with 

the required expertise 

1. The Disposal Group Supervisor, Disposal Coordinator, or other assigned official 

should verify credentials, training, and security clearances of carcass 

management team members and arrange just-in-time training for carcass 

management team members.

2. The Disposal Group Supervisor should prepare briefings and reports for the 

Operations Section Chief.

3. The Safety Officer should brief all responders on safety precautions and will 

provide a briefing on the nature of the disease and other circumstances affecting 

the response

4. The Safety Officer or Biosecurity Officer should brief all responders on 

biosecurity protocols.

5. Plans should be developed to be sure that all onsite carcass management

related personnel are briefed on safety requirements, site conditions, and tasks.

6. The Public Information personnel should develop material, such as Frequently 

Asked Questions, to address public concerns.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 42 | P a g e

Infected Premises Preparation

1. Consult with local, county, state, and/or federal environmental officials to obtain 

specific information for the region or community in order to minimize any negative 

environmental effects associated with the use of MTT.

2. Determine all applicable public health or environmental protection laws, including 

fire codes and other regulations. 

3. Consider regional climate and seasonal trends (e.g., general direction of 

prevailing winds, precipitation, thermal factors).

4. Inform local authorities about any planned thermal destruction.

5. Ensure that equipment, and spare parts, are available for the chosen treatment 

method.

6. Ensure enough trained personnel are available to maintain continuous operations

of the MTT.

7. Provide appropriate sustenance and housing needs for carcass management

personnel if necessary.

8. Verify the availability of MTT units and any required carcass storage/staging 

areas.

9. Locate the MTT in an area that is easily accessible to heavy vehicles hauling 

carcasses and equipment.

10.Gather the appropriate materials, such as fuels, chemical feeds, and other 

utilities.

11.Ensure availability of enough fuel to last 2-3 days or the length of time needed to 

maintain uninterrupted supply.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 43 | P a g e

MTT Operations

1. Don all required PPE as detailed in the Site-Specific Health and Safety/PPE 

Plan.

2. Prepare the site according the requirements for the selected MTT.

3. Monitor the wind direction before and during mobile incineration operations

4. Handle all byproducts safely and dispose of properly in a manner approved by 

the appropriate regulatory agency.

5. Thoroughly clean and disinfect all MTT equipment upon completion of operation. 

See the FAD PReP SOP15: Cleaning and Disinfection and FAD PReP SOPs: 

Biosecurity.
Mobile Treatment Technologies Module 44 | P a g e

Summary

Congratulations! You have completed the Mobile Treatment Technologies (MTT) 

Module. In this module, you have learned to:

 Describe MTT as a method for carcass management

 Understand the advantages and disadvantages of MTT 

 Identify personnel health risks associated with MTT 

 Consider environmental risks associated with MTT

 Obtain regulations governing MTT by consulting with state officials

 Identify factors used to evaluate MTT as a carcass management option

 List critical elements when planning MTT

 Recognize key components of MTT operations

Please click here to download the certificate of completion for this module. You can 

enter your name on the certificate and save or print it for your records.